Browns, Buck win Ohio Farm Bureau Federation awards

Nathan and Jennifer are members of Highland County Farm Bureau, where Nathan serves as vice president. Both are active in many county and statewide Farm Bureau activities.

They operate a 900-acre grain farm, along with an additional 400 acres of custom grain crops and hay. They also raise beef cattle.

Jennifer is employed with the USDA’s Rural Development office, and Nathan also serves as a township trustee. Both are active with their local church, Ohio Corn Growers Association and Ohio Soybean Council.

The Outstanding Young Farmer contest is a part of the Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals program. Contestants are judged on the growth of their farm businesses and involvement in Farm Bureau and their community.

The Browns win 250 hours free use of an M–series tractor provided by Kubota, $1,000 in Grainger merchandise sponsored by Farm Credit Services of Mid-America and a paid trip to the 2013 American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in San Antonio.

Excellence in Agriculture

Dr. Emily Rhoades Buck

Dr. Emily Buck of New Bloomington won OFBF’s 2013 Excellence in Agriculture Award.

The award recognizes successful young agricultural professionals who are actively contributing and growing through their involvement with Farm Bureau and agriculture.

An associate professor of ag communication at Ohio State University, Buck and her husband John farm 1,000 acres of soybeans, wheat and corn and raise Southdown sheep.

Buck is also the owner of Rustic Star Photography and Design.

She currently serves as secretary of Marion County Farm Bureau and is the past secretary and communication action team leader for Pickaway County. She has degrees from Ohio State University and University of Florida, and has received numerous awards for her teaching and work as a professor.

Buck will receive an expense-paid trip to San Antonio to compete in the national contest during the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in January.

She also will receive a John Deere Gator courtesy of Farm Credit Services of Mid-America and a $1,000 technology package sponsored by OFBF.